“M y observation on minorities: A man/nation is judged by how they support those weaker than them not how they lean on those stronger” – Salmaan Taseer
As we observe the eighth death anniversary of Salmaan Taseer, his words bear heavy on a nation that has been pre-occupied with the decimation of its minorities.
It has taken eight years for the Supreme Court to reach the same conclusion as Taseer; that Asia Bibi was irrefutably innocent. One wonders at the amount of bloodshed, violence, legal battles, nation-wide protests that could have been avoided; if the efforts of Taseer had been supported by the mainstream establishment. It is not to say that Pakistan wouldn’t have undergone a painful transformation where the far right wouldn’t have attempted to chew off every head that rose without religion – merely that the discourse of patience and tolerance would have begun sooner.
If we were to judge ourselves, on the merit that Taseer laid out for nations and minorities; it would be evident that in Pakistan; morality only plays a role in political rhetoric. Shamefully we are the nation, that rages against its own masses, while cowering in front of the black boots and religious mafias
Perhaps at that time, four years after so-called democratic rule had been established, we did not forsee the impact that Asia Bibi’s blasphemy case would have on national identity and sectarianism in Pakistan. While the nation grappled with democracy after the tragic death of Benazir Bhutto, human rights; especially minority rights were not a cause mainstream politicians, especially the governors of a province were taking. With the exception of Salmaan Taseer, that travelled from jails to the President House, fighting for the life of an innocent rural Christian woman.
As politicians were adjusting to politics post Musharraf, few paid attention or cowered under the fear of their constituents to take up the cause. This however, did not dissuade Taseer one bit. Infact the vigour with which he pursued the cause only increased – as he understood that in 2011 Pakistan, there weren’t any contenders, fighting to become the champion of the downtrodden. It was down to a single man, to ask questions crucial to notions of national integrity, justice and the treatment of others.
Unfortunately, Taseer was a one man brigade, against decades of institutionalised bigotry, that could not fathom a man who could advocate for a secular Islamic state
If we were to judge ourselves, on the merit that Taseer laid out for nations and minorities; it would be evident that in Pakistan; morality only plays a role in political rhetoric. Shamefully we are the nation, that rages against its own masses, while cowering in front of the black boots and religious mafias.
So much so that we built a mausoleum for the man sentenced to death for the murder of Salmaan Taseer. By one of his own guards, Mumtaz Qadri who was subsequently hanged in 2016. Once again this highlights the uncomfortable truth of polarisation in Pakistan, where the intolerance of religious hardliners accompanied by the state’s silence; crushes those born on the wrong side of Shariah law.
Unfortunately, eight years later, after paying no heed to Taseer’s warnings; we are worse off, held hostage by the ridiculous demands of Khadim Hussain Rizvi. If there was ever a time, that Taseer’s legacy was important to study and proliferate; that time is now. There can remain no doubt in anyone’s mind given the rise of Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan since 2017, and the happenings of 2018 – that religious fanaticism is deeply rooted within us, showing little signs of departure. Hence it is imperative to remember and champion the man, who with no personal stakes, and everything on the line; decided to fight for the right of a Christian woman.
In a country, where the best any minority can ask for is to be ignored, Taseer demanded better. He not only demanded for better laws, but for more tolerance, compassion and empathy for the religiously vulnerable. His ideology was most aptly put by Aatish Taseer, his son in 2011, “He was a man in whom various and competing ideas of sanctity could function. His wish for his country was not that of the totality of Islam, but of a society built on the achievements of men, on science, on rationality, on modernity.”
Unfortunately, Taseer was a one man brigade, against decades of institutionalised bigotry, that could not fathom a man who could advocate for a secular Islamic state.
“”I was under huge pressure sure 2 cow down before rightest pressure on blasphemy.Refused. Even if I’m the last man standing”Taseer had tweeted some time before his death. There is no tragic irony behind the statement; the death of Taseer can never eradicate his heroic legacy; his ideals of justice and honour will always remain as the benchmark, as we struggle against the injustice of the extremist status quo. He will indeed, remain the last man standing, crystallised and preserved in our national memory; inspiring us for generations to come.
Published in Daily Times, January 4th 2019.
